The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1887-07-21

/mirably adapted for ], 900 unitarian
purposes but now devoted to the use of the
military department of the Atlantic and of
the New York arsenal in storing useless and
dismounted cannon, shot, powder, ETC., to
keeping up dilapidated and useless fort and
all alleged castle on the northwest, which as
seen from passing boats seems formidable
indeed, but which on investigation shows to
be rickety and tumble down affair which
any modern ironclad could raze in short
order. Castle William is standing monu-
ment to the man who invented the word
bluff"
Fort Columbus is more formidable work
at the center of the island, occupied by about
100 men, two batteries of artillery, who
"play soldier" to their hearts content That to
be stationed on Governors Island is the dream
of half the military men of the country is
evidence that the surroundings are pleasant
and the duties light, but that the military
station which commands the port of the me-
tropolis is not more formidable defense and
less beautiful play ground will be the first
cause of wonderment to the tourist visiting
the spot.
But everything is beautiful; even the short
ride in the bobbing little steamer is delight
full, affording a glorious view of shipping,
water front, the great bridge and the spires
and towers of the surrounding cities. Near
the landing are imposing piles of ball and
shot, black and suggestive rows of dismal
looking guns, sentries pacing back and forth
about the buildings in bright uniforms Gen.
Schofield's residence is the most conspicuous
of several buildings on the left, almost shut
from view by the mass of vines, shrubbery
and trees about it,
Paved and shaded roadways lead through
the grounds. The hustle of commerce has
nothing to represent it, nor is there anything
to suggest a place frequented by pleasure
seekers. Only three persons went over in the
little steamer with me, and five or six were
with me on the return trip, several Of them
clerks who live in the city. The occasional
soldiers or bandmen one meets look curiously
on the visitor and seem to like to gossip il not
in view of comrades but are reticent in the
extreme if on duty or in squads. At the
grim old castle a sentry PAGES back and forth
| before the door.
"Can one go in?" | asked.
"Only to the door,"
"Are military offenders confined withinr'
"Yes.n
"How many?
III don't know"
"What are their offensesF
81 don't know"
We were allowed a peep at the crumbline
old amphitheatre within, queer old roollery
with galleries around it from which the
prisoners enter their cells So far as I car
learn the present prisoners are only minol
misunderstanding out terms for drunken
| ion, IN. ftnya1 hon
sand Confederate prisoners were kept here al
one time when the rebellion was in progress
| 1t must have been an odiUus pen for, although
the sun streams down into the amphitheatrt
and the air is good within the walls, yet it il
hard to surmise where so many men could bt
decently hived.
In the moat of Fort Columbus severa
prisoners were moving down the luxuriani
grass under armed guards who were badger
ing each other and laughing heartily as we
approached, but who separated at once as
walked up to the party and were at once in
tently engaged in the laudable work OF
watching every movement of their charges
Not to he put off pursued one of them.
"Are these men prisonersp / asked.
Eyes"
"For any serious offense"
'No."
"What did they doi'
" don't know"
"Would they try to escape if you were Il
leave them?"
"No."
@You are cure they wouldn'tr
ayes"
"Then why do you guard themp
The fellows eyes didn't twinkle bit as III
said u don't know" and moved off.
Gen. Schofeld's house has wide piazza il
front, approached by stairs. The dool
was partially ajar, showing part Of 6
wide, hospitable hall, with oiled floor and
| tinor skLin I1ln Thara is M hall and